Mode of action of antirheumatic drugs on the cyclic 3',5'-AMP regulated glycosaminoglycan secretion in fibroblasts

The effect non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on formation and release of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels was studied in embryonic mouse fibroblasts. The results were compared and correlated with the action of these drugs on cyclic 3',5'-AMP-dependent as well as independent protein kinase obtained from bovine diaphragm. 1. Phenylbutazone dose-dependently decreased cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels and GAG secretion both in unstimulated and PGE1 stimulated cells. 2. Indometacin decreased cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels and GAG secretion only in cells with elevated cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels after stimulation by PGE1. 3. Sodium salicylate decreased cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels in the presence and absence of PGE1. However, GAG secretion was reduced only in cells with elevated cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels, since the drug activated cyclic 3',5'-AMP-independent protein kinase activity, thus presumably precluding changes in GAG formation at low levels of cyclic 3',5'-AMP. 4. Mefenamic acid decreased cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels in cells stimulated by PGE1, whereas GAG secretion was increased both in the absence and presence of PGE1. This increase in GAG secretion was closely correlated to an enhanced cyclic 3',5'-AMP-dependent and independent protein kinase activity. The results indicate that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may exert their effects on GAG formation by interfering with cyclic 3',-5'-AMP formation or function.